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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Splott Man Date: 25 May 09 - 03:05 PM I had no problems with harmonicas in my hand luggage to the States a year ago ( I have a box with 9 of them, plus 2 jew's harps and 2 capos). They'll ask you to open the bag to have a look, once they know what they are, they'll let you through. You might have to play a few notes to prove it, but don't play too well, or they'll think you're professional (grin). Splott Man |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 19 Aug 09 - 05:23 PM We're so excited about coming over and time is running away with us. Our flights are booked, Big Sister is all primed to look after us when we're not having fun singing with you guys and our visit to Portsmouth Maritime Festival is pretty much planned with huge thanks to Barry Finn (& Justine) and also Tom, Linn & Barbara. After Portsmouth we'll be travelling back to Philadelphia to celebrate my Sister's birthday and then we'll be all fired up to go to the Getaway. I managed to get our registrations done the other day, albeit with a few hiccups and some help from Charlie & Dick *grin* We'd very much like to get along to Chance & Susette's Sing on the Thursday before the Getaway so I'm hoping that we can get some advice for our best way to get to their Sing & overnight lodging and then getting to the Getaway itself. Hopefully my Sister will be able to pick us up on the Monday, though I've no idea of the distances involved so I could be wrong! As novice travellers there's a lot to think about and check out and I thought I might ask whether any Catters have any experience of using an 'electronic cigarette' which is supposedly legal on aircraft. Richard smokes (but is very house-trained etc) and I'm hoping that I won't have to sedate him for the whole flight *grin* Another thing I was wondering was if anyone knew of any song circles near Phoenixville on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings? On the Monday after Portsmouth my Sister is producing a play locally so we'll be going to that, but it would be nice to check in with singers in the area if anything is going on. Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts, ideas & suggestions - preferably on-topic *grin* In the meantime I'll try to sort out some other stuff like travel insurance, petsitters, train reservations etc..... Cheers, Hil & Richard |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 20 Aug 09 - 08:43 AM Oh, and electricity! Isn't it different in the States??? Ooh, all the chargers we'll have to do without...... |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Barry Finn Date: 20 Aug 09 - 11:04 AM Hi Hillary, I believe that you can buy a cheap electric converter for your electrical needs You'll probably want to exchange your money from pounds into dollars before you leave the UK, banks here will charge a fee whereas your post offices don't. Our post offices aren't like yours, they don't handle money exchange. See ya Barry |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Charlie Baum Date: 20 Aug 09 - 02:09 PM You might check to see if your bank allows you to withdraw funds from your account from a U.S. ATM machine (in US$) without extra charges. My U.S. bank allowed me to use an ATM free-fee in Israel earlier this year, and it was the most convenient way of getting foreign funds. Most things with built in chargers (laptops, cell-phone rechargers, electric razors) can handle the different electric current in the U.S. and all you will need in that case is a very cheap plug adaptor, since the electric outlets in the U.S. take a different shaped plug. Check the transformers on your gizmos to see if they will work on 110V AC. If you can get to Chance and Suzette's sing on Thursday night, chances are pretty good that someone can take you home with them and give you a ride on Friday out to the Getaway, not that I'm volunteering myself, because I often have a whole carload of stuff that needs to be brought out and back. --Charlie Baum |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: beardedbruce Date: 20 Aug 09 - 02:18 PM "Check the transformers on your gizmos to see if they will work on 110V AC." 110 - 120 V, 60 cycle. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: GUEST,Dani Date: 20 Aug 09 - 03:08 PM My tentative plan is to drive from the Getaway to Philadelphia and New Jersey on Monday morning, and if so, I can take you where you need to go. PM to exchange emails, and we'll talk : ) I look forward to meeting you! Dani |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Micca Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:37 PM Hils, I have found that many of the transformer based things I need, (Battery chargers,Laptop etc) all are dual voltage/dual Hz capable. so I have the transformer to socket leads for UK and a seperate lead for the US!1 if you have older equipment it may need checking, and you may need to get a Travel adaptor for converting things that do not have a removable section between the transformer and socket, ask me about it next time I see you (which will be soon as I have some travel bags for you) |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Barry Finn Date: 20 Aug 09 - 07:46 PM Hilliary, prior to going to the UK my bank advised my to contact my credit card company (which in this case was my bank) & let them know I'd be in the UK & what the dates where. That way when & if I used the card in a foreign country and it rasied a red flag the credit card folks would see the note that it was already approved for the place & time I was away, therefore foregoing needless rejection. Barry |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Micca Date: 20 Aug 09 - 08:12 PM Barry, well said, I usually need to let my bank know when I am in the US for the same reasons, and so that my ATM card works also, it is usually the cheapest way to change money when abroad. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 21 Aug 09 - 04:42 AM Hillary, I'm very glad you're coming over and we'll help with directions and lodging stuff. We start the Singaround around 7:00 but usually I've picked up Micca by home by 5 or 6, so we're flexible. I'll PM you about lodging. We should be able to help you with transportation locally here in the DC Silver Spring area. Have you already arranged travel to the Getaway with anyone? Regards, chance |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 21 Aug 09 - 04:51 AM Hillary, check my PM, but let me know your mode of travel and itinarary and we'll make it easy for you, I promise. cheers chance |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Joe Offer Date: 21 Aug 09 - 05:03 AM And if that doesn't work, I'll be flying to Providence, Rhode Island and then driving to the Getaway. I could easily swing by Philadelphia to pick you up and take you to the Getaway. After the Getaway, I'll be heading back north to Sandy Paton's memorial service/sing. -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 21 Aug 09 - 05:46 AM Hey, Joe, can you swing by for the singaround on Thursday? |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 21 Aug 09 - 06:55 AM Thanks so much for all the advice & offers, you wonderful people!!! We're just setting off for the 1st Moira Furnace Folk Festival where I'll be singing tonight (note to self - hurry up & work out a set list) so I won't be able to reply properly (& PM people) till at least Sunday evening or perhaps Monday, depending on traffic. I've got this warm glow knowing we're in safe hands *grin* Sounds like a travel adaptor is the thing, it's only phone chargers & possibly a toothbrush - we don't have a lap-top! Thanks for the info! Thanks, Barry, for the tip about letting our banks & card people know about the trip, that sounds really important & it hadn't occurred to me - novice traveller, see! Have a good weekend everyone, love & hugs, Hil x |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fidjit Date: 21 Aug 09 - 11:38 AM Well done Hils and Richard to get it off the ground. Enjoy. I'm planning a trip to San Francisco in late January. Lot to organise isn't there? Chas |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 24 Aug 09 - 06:06 PM You're right there Chas!! Good luck with your trip, have you sorted dates yet? I'm sure that there'll be plenty of Catters to meet on your trip! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fidjit Date: 25 Aug 09 - 02:34 AM Couldn't wait til 2010. Have booked a flight for 28 Sept - 12 Oct 2009 WoW ! Can't wait Chas |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Splott Man Date: 25 Aug 09 - 03:02 AM Don't forget to turn your phone off at night while there. You don't want to be woken up by a call in the middle of the night because of the time difference. And above all, have fun! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Barry Finn Date: 26 Aug 09 - 08:46 AM They will be up in the middle of the night, so call them as late or as early as may be, they can rest & sleep when they get back home. Barry |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 26 Aug 09 - 04:03 PM http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ukcust1.html#food Link to what Embassy and what may be brought into the US... |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 27 Aug 09 - 04:52 AM Thanks for that Link Chance, I've popped it in my favourites. I do hope our hosts all like chocolate *grin* Chas, Brilliant news about your trip, know you're going to have a whale of a time! Thanks for the 'turn off your phone at night' tip Ned (smart move), but Barry is probably right too. Hopefully no-one will phone from the UK anyway, I think I've been telling Everyone and his Mother about our trip, I'm soooo excited!! As for our trip plans, the MudCat Hospitality Wagon has scooped us up and got us really well catered for, organised and wrapped up in comfy caring. We've been overwhelmed by the generous response of our new friends (most of whom we haven't met yet but Micca keeps saying they're 'people like us') and I can't wait to get across the pond and start hugging! Pretty much all our transport and accommodation has been sorted with singing galore and parties thrown in. We're on a tight schedule as we're only over for a mere 13 nights but with a lot of help from our friends we're managing to attend the Portsmouth Maritime Festival, Chance & Susette's Pre-Getaway Sing and the Getaway itself - not to mention seeing my Big Sister on her Birthday between times! I'm not sure if 'naming names' is 'the done thing' around here, but huge thanks to all who're helping us and all those who offered too - you know who you are! A friend from work will be lending us a travel adaptor which worked in Canada so we're assuming it'll work in the USA too and a small hairy gnome will be popping over next week for liver and bacon & he'll bring us some hand-luggage and check our chargers too. Despite the huge list of 'stuff to do' (including the travel insurance I haven't sorted yet), it's all coming together. I can't wait!! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: jacqui.c Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:33 AM Not long now - can't wait to see you! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 27 Aug 09 - 12:59 PM MGAS, we are very likely people like you. People like Micca may be difficult to locate. Although we haven't actually looked. We have noticed that the interactions of local Marylanders with himself during our travels have been interesting. They seem to find him different charming, and yet apparently harmless. We're looking forward to your visit, and we're laying in extra grits. chance |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: GUEST,beardedbruce Date: 27 Aug 09 - 01:38 PM Opps. "mostly harmless" |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Aug 09 - 01:41 PM Guru is most certainly Harmless , and a bloody good singer too ! She is also adept at keeping Richard under control ! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: jacqui.c Date: 27 Aug 09 - 02:42 PM Richard is as crazy as a bag of rats and so will fit in nicely with the Getaway crowd. He also has a very good voice, if you can persuade him to sing! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Aug 09 - 02:43 PM OBJECTION !! That is an insult to MOST Bags of Rats ! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 27 Aug 09 - 05:44 PM Ummm, dare I ask.... what are grits? |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Aug 09 - 05:57 PM Tasteless Breakfast cereal I think Hils !! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Barry Finn Date: 27 Aug 09 - 05:59 PM White stuff from the south. It's still a mystery to us northerners. Barry |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: jacqui.c Date: 27 Aug 09 - 07:24 PM Ask SINSULL - she likes them. Just the look of them puts me off. They look a bit like semolina, I think and are served up with eggs. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Bill D Date: 27 Aug 09 - 08:11 PM Grits are an 'acquired taste'...I didn't meet any till I was in Mississippi, and I have to dose them liberally with cinnamon and honey..or similar...(If you read how they are prepared, you are even more reluctant) They are a VERY southern dish...a friend & I were touring southern Missouri many years ago, eating breakfast each morning 10-30 miles further South. The first morning, grits were not on the menu. The second morning, they were an option. The third morning, they were served automatically, unless you knew to specify "No Grits"....I suppose that 2nd cafe defined the Mason-Dixon line. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fidjit Date: 27 Aug 09 - 08:47 PM Thanks Hils I know I am just look at whats going on already. Hope I get time for a siesta. Schedule so far. September 28th Mon. arrive SFC airport from Stockholm and Philadelphia 29th Tue. 30th. Wed. October 1st. Thur Friday 2nd. to Sunday 4th Free Blue Grass Festival Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. 3rd. Sat Cross Country Run Joanne's School. Morning - Lunch time. In the evening. Shaty singing at Hyde Street Pier 8PM 7th. Wed. Good SIng along 11th. Sun another sing Harmony singing 2PM - 5 PM Up in *Auburn. 12th. Mon Depart SFC For Munich and Stockholm I'll miss these House concerts Before I arrive and after I've gone. Sorry for the thread drift. Enjoy your "Grits" Chas |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:24 AM Many thanks for explaining 'grits', they sound like something you put in chicken-feed to help them lay good eggs - didn't realise you they are eaten 'with' eggs! Cinnamon & Honey sounds like a good suggestion, but here's a better one - don't eat the grits *grin* Just packing for Shrewsbury Festival, this is our 5th weekend in a row festivalling so we're looking forward to a few weekend's rest before we set off to the airport and our grand adventure! I'm already having sleepless nights, I'm so excited. You might know that 'aspergers' people make lists? Well I'm borderline & you should see my lists of stuff to do, they're major! Have a lovely weekend Folks, see you on the flip side! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Splott Man Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:41 AM You could also try Fried Dough, or Refried Beans. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 28 Aug 09 - 07:56 AM MGAS, You are being deceived by purveyors of northern aggression. Please allow me to provide you with the UNADULTERATED TRUTH. Put simply, grits are a smooth, creamy side dish for eggs for breakfast, and very often a foundation for Lowland (read Charleston, SC) cooking as in Shrimp and Grits and Cheese Grits. What do they taste like? They taste like dawn coming up on Mobile bay; they taste like the smell of Gardenias blooming in the gardens of Savannah. They taste like homecoming in the South. Do not be mislead by the northern philistines. (I have the jawbone of an ass around here somethere) Chance |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Micca Date: 28 Aug 09 - 09:50 AM Take No notice of him, Hils, they taste like scrambled eggs (the eggs do) mixed with that gravel that inhabits the bottom of aquaria, in other words like taking a bite of the driveway with a little scrambled egg on top, no wonder they invented Ketchup!! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:43 AM Susette, hand be that jawbone... |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 05 Sep 09 - 12:10 PM Had a very nice visit from the gnome which gave me a good excuse to spend time making liver & bacon again, wonderful! We also tucked into the fab bottle of Rioja he left last Christmas which went down a treat. There's a few sips left & I'm assured by our expert that they won't last past tea-time & I suspect he could be right! Chance, many thanks for your fabulous (though quite possibly biased) description of grits. Please don't put yourself to any trouble to prove your opinion to us, I think I'll leave the savouring of that experience for another time! Hope no-one minds me refreshing this thread rather than intruding on the 'other stuff than programming' thread, it's just that, following Micca's visit, I'm all a-quiver with excitement *grin* We now have bags for hand-baggage (grateful thanks to Micca), most arrangements sorted but my list of 'stuff to do' still seems huge! I might just have something interesting for the silent auction and other items are being gathered and put out ready to pack. Oh, I am soooo looking forward to this - guess I sound like a broken record, but you don't mind that, do you? |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fidjit Date: 05 Sep 09 - 02:14 PM guess I sound like a broken record, but you don't mind that, do you? Not with your voice No. Chas I'm packing bags too. Awkward isn't it? Swindon, here we come! Chas |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: My guru always said Date: 05 Sep 09 - 02:16 PM Thanks Chas, have a great trip yourself & safe journey!! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fidjit Date: 06 Sep 09 - 11:12 PM Hey you two enjoy your Getaway. will confide later Chas |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Noreen Date: 24 Sep 09 - 06:44 PM Have a superfantastic time at the Getaway, you two- I am so jealous... give Rita and Bill big hugs from me please :0) |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Leadfingers Date: 24 Sep 09 - 06:49 PM And let us know when and where you are |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Bill D Date: 24 Sep 09 - 07:55 PM *smile*... I'll collect hugs, Noreen... looking forward to meeting new folks. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Barry Finn Date: 25 Sep 09 - 12:55 AM Hillary, I'll see you tomorrow afternoon at Logan Barry |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Fortunato Date: 26 Sep 09 - 06:19 AM Did the lovely and talented Hilary and Richard arrive chez Barry? And did they survive the drive through the tunnel out from Logan? Of course Barry, being a dangerous sort himself, was able to fight off the driving nazis of Boston most handily, I'm sure. |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: Micca Date: 26 Sep 09 - 10:36 AM Chance, see the Portsmouth Maritime festival thread, their presence (or at least Hilarys) is reported at the Press Room yesterday!! |
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Subject: RE: MGAS & Richard to Getaway 2009, advice? From: John MacKenzie Date: 26 Sep 09 - 11:47 AM In the absence of Terry I must just post here, and hope they are both in good form JM |
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